Benchmark indices began the week on a strong note, with the Nifty ending above the 9600-mark the first time ever.

At the close of market hours, the Sensex was up 81.07 points at 31109.28, while the Nifty was up 9.80 points at 9604.90. The market breadth was negative as 864 shares advanced against a decline of 1,822 shares, while 168 shares were unchanged.

HUL, HDFC, Power Grid and Cipla were among the top gainers, while Sun Pharma, Adani Ports, and Tech Mahindra lost the most.